Nailed That Job Interview? Here’s How To Successfully Follow Up

You’ve finally landed an interview for the job of your dreams. The experience was nothing short of amazing. The recruiter promised to get back with you in a week, and now … crickets. Here are some tips for developing a successful follow-up strategy.

Obey the rules

Recruiters and hiring managers keep strict schedules to help them weed through countless job candidates. Before selecting final candidates, they will often need to obtain approvals from upper-level management. At the close of the interview, pay close attention to the turnaround time to expect a response. It could be one or two weeks up to a month depending on the company’s hiring process. To ease your anxiety, ask your interviewer when you should follow up. If you haven’t heard anything, it’s wise to wait until that time has come and passed before you reach out. The interviewer may prefer a call, text, or an email–so pay attention.

Don’t be too pushy

Reaching out too quickly to inquire about your status could send the message that you’re overly aggressive or desperate. There’s a reason you’re getting the interviewer’s voicemail. She’s working. Her schedule is packed with interviews for candidates just like you, making it impossible to answer every call. Keep in mind that she has caller ID and can quickly determine if you’re the candidate relentlessly blowing up her phone. Instead of buying your first-class ticket to the no pile, let up a little. Leave a message and await a response. If you don’t hear anything back, try not to sweat it. Just like you’re not the only candidate, this isn’t the only job. Don’t be discouraged. Not getting a certain job can be a blessing in disguise. The right employer is looking for exactly what you have to offer.

Ask for feedback

After weeks of waiting, you check your email to find a rejection letter. You’re stunned because you knew you had it in the bag. Your pitch, credentials, and career documents were all on point. You even shared a successful joke or two with leadership during an icebreaker. So, what happened? Most rejection letters are automated and don’t offer much information about why you weren’t selected. Here’s where your professionalism and strategy separate the amateurs from value creators. Amateurs will respond negatively to rejection. They’ll throw shade and spew tons of reasons they didn’t want to work for the company anyway. Value creators request critiques. Some company policies prevent an interviewer from releasing specific information about candidates. However, you may catch someone on a good day when they’re willing to provide the ammo you need to improve for the next opportunity. Don’t burn bridges with a negative attitude.

Not knowing where you stand after an interview can be frustrating. Understanding the hiring process for your desired position can relieve some pressure. With a little patience and guidance, you can navigate your job search like a pro.

Ashley Watkins, of Write Step Resumes, LLC, helps job seekers and career changers write their career dreams into reality one step at a time. She can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,Pinterest, or via www.WriteStepResumes.com for resume help, interview prep, career tips, and motivational quotes.